Strange Attractions

Chapter 6

The comforting aroma of freshly squeezed orange and creamy vanilla filled the room, beckoning me to relax. I dropped by bag, coat and scarf on the floor and lit the fireplace sinking into another one of Grace's comfortable creations.

Despite my attempts to be angry at Beau, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He was clearly struggling, but our relationship had become toxic. As much as it hurt, I knew it was over.

I poured a generous glass of Merlot, its deep red colour reflecting the glow of the fire that crackled and popped in the fireplace. The scent of cedar wood added to the atmosphere as I gazed into the flickering flames. Just as I began to unwind, my phone buzzed loudly, interrupting my peace. I glanced at the screen and saw an incoming call from my grandmother.

Great, no doubt she wanted an update on Crystal Clear, one I didn't have.

Groaning inwardly, I debated letting it go to voicemail. But I knew better than to ignore her persistent calls or risk her showing up unannounced at my doorstep.

"Hi, everything okay? Did Mum stop by with the flowers?" I answered, bracing myself for her usual criticisms.

"Yes, thank you. Although I must say, why did you choose roses when you know how much I love orchids?"

She never hesitated to find fault in anything I did. Even when my mother told her about me taking over the shop, she couldn't hide her disappointment.

"Next time, I'll make sure to remember your favourites". There was a brief pause before she brought up the reason for her call.

"So, what's the update on Crystal Clear? I pulled a card today and need to know what you plan on doing about it".

"Which card?" I asked.

"The Death card", she replied calmly. She had always been superstitious and paranoid about something bad happening to the shop. "I'm not prepared for you to lose my shop Bella, all my hard work. I built that place from the ground up..."

I let her reel off her guilt trip script as she'd done many times before. Her words like a familiar melody, one that I had grown tired of hearing. I refused to feel guilt for circumstances out of my control. The aging population of Whistlebury had no interest in Crystal Clear - the closest thing to spirituality they knew was attending church on Sundays. But people like Mrs Godwin and other likeminded individuals saw us as blasphemers of the highest order.

"Are you listening Bella?" her voice snapped me back to reality.

"Yep", I said, forcing an enthusiastic tone though I felt anything but.

"You may need to go into administration as a safeguard from legal action, but I have a plan".

"Which is?"

"Well, you'll continue to trade as usual while my friend acts as the Insolvency Practitioner", she explained, her tone hopeful yet uncertain. "She's not always reliable, but she's found a potential investor - an angel in human form, really. Now this is where you and Grace come in. You need to set up the meeting and Bella you need to secure this. I'm depending on you".

An unpleasant lump formed in my throat. The success or failure of the shop now rested solely on me.

"I'll do everything I can", I promised as I held the phone in one hand and reached for my favourite tarot deck with the other. I listened to her talk some more, but my mind was focused on our relationship and the upcoming meeting. I pulled a card from the deck and turned it over.

The Five of Swords - it was nearly always the same one. This card indicated conflicts, challenges, and the need for effective communication.

"I have to go", I cut in, feeling drained after our conversation. She emotionally drained me with her constant worries and demands. She rarely gave support - only taking and taking and taking some more. Lately, I had been regretting taking on the shop. Don't get me wrong, I loved Crystal Clear, but it was someone else's dream that I was now living. Traveling had always been my dream, to see more than just Whistlebury.

"Don't let me down Bella, speak soon".

And there it was, the Five swords piercing into me.

I got up to refill my glass of wine and realised I was out. The weight of everything crashed down on me as I poured the last drop into my glass. I couldn't help but feel drained and overwhelmed by my grandmother's words and the looming decision ahead. But as I sat back down at my kitchen table, surrounded by crystals and incense, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something bigger was at play here - something beyond my control.

And as I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and shuffled the deck once more, I couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store for me next.